Research indicates that over 23 million Americans may be affected by wastewater contamination.
'Forever Chemicals' Found in Treated Wastewater, Threatening Drinking Supplies
'Forever Chemicals' Found in Treated Wastewater, Threatening Drinking Supplies
New study reveals troubling levels of PFAS in treated wastewater, impacting US drinking water safety.
Researchers from Harvard and New York University have released a concerning study revealing that treated wastewater in the United States contains significant levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” These substances have been linked to cancer and other serious health issues due to their persistent nature in the environment.
The findings highlight how wastewater treatment facilities across the nation are failing to adequately eliminate these harmful chemicals, leading to increased concentrations of PFAS post-treatment. The research indicates that these compounds can contaminate drinking water, affecting approximately 23 million Americans whose water supplies are located downstream of wastewater sites.
Notably, the study notes that both PFAS and a broader category of organofluorines—chemicals utilized in various industries—are largely unregulated, raising critical questions about their effects on human health. Given looming water shortages intensified by climate change, the reuse of treated wastewater is becoming more common, which exacerbates the issue as it may re-enter drinking supplies without sufficient dilution.
Experts encourage more stringent regulations and monitoring of PFAS to safeguard drinking water supplies and reduce risks associated with these chemicals, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action to mitigate ongoing contamination sources. The implications of the presence of PFAS extend beyond water supply concerns, as the sludge left after treatment is often used for agricultural fertilization, presenting additional risks for food safety.
The complexity of managing these environmental challenges underscores a growing urgency for research and policy intervention regarding PFAS contaminations on both national and local levels.
The findings highlight how wastewater treatment facilities across the nation are failing to adequately eliminate these harmful chemicals, leading to increased concentrations of PFAS post-treatment. The research indicates that these compounds can contaminate drinking water, affecting approximately 23 million Americans whose water supplies are located downstream of wastewater sites.
Notably, the study notes that both PFAS and a broader category of organofluorines—chemicals utilized in various industries—are largely unregulated, raising critical questions about their effects on human health. Given looming water shortages intensified by climate change, the reuse of treated wastewater is becoming more common, which exacerbates the issue as it may re-enter drinking supplies without sufficient dilution.
Experts encourage more stringent regulations and monitoring of PFAS to safeguard drinking water supplies and reduce risks associated with these chemicals, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action to mitigate ongoing contamination sources. The implications of the presence of PFAS extend beyond water supply concerns, as the sludge left after treatment is often used for agricultural fertilization, presenting additional risks for food safety.
The complexity of managing these environmental challenges underscores a growing urgency for research and policy intervention regarding PFAS contaminations on both national and local levels.
